Nairobi, Kenya

Cost of Living in Nairobi, Kenya

Quick answer: As of 2026, living in Nairobi costs approximately $758 per month for one person, with city-centre one-bedroom rent averaging $436. Actual costs vary with lifestyle, neighborhood, and exchange rates.

Nairobi is a city in Kenya, where a single person can expect to spend about $758 per month including rent, food, and local transport. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $436 per month, or $212 outside the centre. Internet is slow at around 16 Mbps median download speed, and Kenya offers a digital nomad visa. On safety, Nairobi scores 36/100 — below average on safety for residents and visitors. Expect summer highs near 79°F and winter highs around 74°F, with roughly 359 sunny days a year.

Top for CoworkingTop for National ParkTop for WildlifeTop for RunningDigital nomad visa
Monthly Cost$758≈ $25/day
1BR Rent (Centre)$436
Internet16 Mbps
Safety36/100
Avg Temp77°F

Nairobi Cost of Living Breakdown

🍽️ Dining

Inexpensive Restaurant$5.43
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 People)$38.77
McDonald's Combo Meal$6.63
Cappuccino$2.47
Domestic Beer (Restaurant)$2.33
Bottled Water (Restaurant)$0.52

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1 Liter)$0.84
Bread (1 lb Loaf)$0.50
Eggs (12)$1.66
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)$2.93
Apples (1 lb)$1.41
Bananas (1 lb)$0.46
Tomatoes (1 lb)$0.43
Potatoes (1 lb)$0.47
Water (1.5L Bottle)$0.69
Wine (Mid-Range Bottle)$11.63
Cigarettes (Marlboro)$3.30

🚌 Transportation

One-Way Ticket$0.78
Monthly Transit Pass$31.01
Taxi Start$1.55
Taxi (1 Mile)$2.50
Gasoline (1 Liter)$1.42
VW Golf (New)$15,507.48

⚡ Utilities & Tech

Basic Utilities (Monthly)$41.72
Mobile Phone Plan$16.21
Broadband Internet$37.98

🎬 Lifestyle

Gym Membership (Monthly)$44.80
Cinema Ticket$7.75
Preschool (Monthly)$219.69
Intl. Primary School (Annual)$9,035.06

👔 Clothing

Jeans (Levi's 501)$19.72
Nike Running Shoes$59.75

🏠 Housing

Rent 1BR (City Centre)$435.50
Rent 1BR (Outside Centre)$212.12
Rent 3BR (City Centre)$1,136.12
Rent 3BR (Outside Centre)$508.68
Buy Price/sqft (Centre)$146.44
Buy Price/sqft (Outside)$83.86

📊 Summary

Avg Monthly Net Salary$411.40
Mortgage Interest Rate15.12%
Family of 4 (Monthly, excl. rent)$2,017.30
Single Person (Monthly, excl. rent)$546.20

Cost data sourced from Numbeo.

Lifestyle & Quality of Life in Nairobi

Internet16 Mbps
Safety36/100
Healthcare63/100
Public Transit25/100
Walkability32/100
Nightlife40/100
Food Scene55/100
Fine Dining5/100
Coffee Culture55/100
Air Quality61/100
Green Spaces50/100
Culture45/100
Beaches60/100
Hiking85/100
Surfing0/100
Coworking Spaces25

Communities & Expat Groups

Expats in Nairobi

Nairobi FAQ

How much does it cost to live in Nairobi?

A single person should budget around $758 per month in Nairobi, covering rent, groceries, transport, and basic lifestyle costs. A family of four typically needs about $2,017 per month.

How much is rent in Nairobi?

A one-bedroom apartment in central Nairobi averages $436 per month, dropping to about $212 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,136.

Is Nairobi safe?

Nairobi scores 36/100 on safety, which is below average on safety. Tourist safety is rated 40/100.

How fast is the internet in Nairobi?

Median download speeds in Nairobi are around 16 Mbps — slow for remote work and video calls. There are roughly 25 coworking spaces in the city.

Does Kenya offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes — Kenya offers a digital nomad visa. US passport holders should check current entry requirements before traveling.

What is the weather like in Nairobi?

Nairobi sees summer highs around 79°F and winter highs near 74°F, with about 359 sunny days and 146 rainy days per year.

Visa Requirements for Kenya

Add your passport to see whether you need a visa for Kenya and how to apply.